Figure 1: Schematic of research in the Turchanin group. From molecular precursors, self assembly and post-modification over novel materials to functional applications. (click on the image to enlarge)

The research activities concentrate on 2D carbon materials (graphene, carbon nanomembranes, organic monolayers) and their hybrids with other low dimensional materials for novel applications in nanoelectronics, nanosensors, energy-saving and nanobiotechnology. This interdisciplinary work embraces (i) growth of these materials with tailored physical and chemical properties [1-3], (ii) their nanolithography and microfabrication [4, 5], (iii) their implementation in novel functional nanostructures for both fundamental studies and applied research [6-7].

A novel route to ultrathin freestanding 2D carbon materials has been developed (see Fig. 1). Such an approach enables both generation of 2D materials with adjustable properties as well as their scalable production paving the way to a variety of applications in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

An international team of scientists coordinated by Jena professor of physical chemistry Andrey Turchanin is working on new applications in the area of flexible electronics by developing ultrathin hybrid sheets of organic semiconductors and inorganic atomically thin 2D materials. The research project is supported by the EU funding programme FLAG-ERA.